Are you Listening? [Video]

Listen and learn is what we all must do in today’s customer centric marketplace both through both social media channels and direct communication. But if we think about it listening, the central part of communication, is an art form that for many is not something that is done well or worse- not at all.

Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process. The most successful people all have one trait in common-They are good listeners.

Listening affects how we interact with and understand our colleagues, employees, customers; friends and family- virtually every aspect of our lives. So it is a subject worth exploring and studying and being conscious of.

"Listening is key to all effective communication, without the ability to listen effectively messages are easily misunderstood – communication breaks down and the sender of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated." (skillsyouneed.com)

Good listening skills also have benefits in our personal and professional lives:

"A greater number of friends and social networks, improved self-esteem and confidence, higher grades at school and in academic work and even better health and general well-being. Studies have shown that, whereas speaking raises blood pressure, listening brings it down." (skillsyouneed.com)

Today there are programs that listen to what people are talking about, thinking about and it informs us of what people are saying about us and what is important to them to give us ideas about how to micro market to these consumers to win their business.

But we must also program ourselves to truly listen to our customers whether it be knowing how to better nurture a lead online as well as customers and clients offline in our everyday professional lives.

The following video featuring Julian Treasure highlights 5 steps on how to listen better to understand our world around us to enrich us personally as well as professionally.

LISTEN & LEARN-Make a difference in your life and it will make a difference in others